ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Science & Technology
INST scientists find low-cost metal-free nanomaterial towards disinfection of garments under visible light exposure
These nanomaterials possess enhanced biocidal activity
This technology will also be explored for antiviral efficiency considering its relevance to the current scenario
Scientists at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology , an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India have found a low-cost metal-free nanomaterial for visible light microbial disinfection which can be an alternative to silver and other metal-based materials.
Dr. Kamalakannan Kailasam’s group at INST in their recent study published in collaboration with Dr.Asifkhan Shanavas in the journal Carbon, have tested carbon nitride quantum dots  for visible-light-driven antibacterial activity and found it to be efficient, apart from being biocompatible with mammalian cells. The team has suggested it to be a viable anti bacterial alternative to metal/non-metal semiconductors and expensive silver, thus making it cost-effective.
According to the INST team, these nanomaterials possess enhanced biocidal activity attributed to larger surface area of g-CNQDs having more reactive sites and optical absorption both in the ultraviolet and visible region. The g-CNQDs have the ability to generate reactive oxygen species . The ROS rapidly interact and damage the immediately available biological macromolecules such as lipids present on the cell membrane or envelope and proteins present on the cellular surface, towards inactivation of the microorganism. The mechanism of inactivation is non-specific to a particular pathogen, as lipid and protein are major components of the inhabitants of the microbial world.
The scientists are exploring ways of incorporating doped and undoped carbon nitride-based materials into cloth fabrics that can continuously produce reactive oxygen species  under optimal humidity and temperature for the antimicrobial activity.
They explained that aerosol droplets generated during sneezing have enough moisture that might help in ROS mediated disinfection of any infectious agents in the droplet, once it comes into contact with the nanomaterial sewn fabric under sunlight or ambient white light exposure. The present study utilized a common table lamp which provides luminance comparable to sunlight on a clear day.
The dependence on visible light is also advantageous over regular ultraviolet mediated disinfection, which requires cautious handling of the UV light-emitting devices. This technology will also be simultaneously explored for antiviral efficiency considering its relevance to the current scenario.
[Publication: Pranjali Yadav, S.T. Nishanthi, Bhagyesh Purohit, Asifkhan Shanavas, Kamalakannan Kailasam, Metal-free visible light photocatalytic carbon nitride quantum dots as efficient antibacterial agents: An insight study ]
President's Secretariat
PRESS COMMUNIQUE
The President of India, as advised by the Prime Minister, has directed that Shri Piyush Goyal, Cabinet Minister, be assigned the charge of the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, in addition to his existing portfolios.
Cabinet
Cabinet approves signing of MoU between India and Spain on cooperation in the sphere of Civil Aviation
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the signing of Memorandum of Understanding  on Cooperation in the sphere of Civil Aviation between India and Spain.
The MoU signifies an important landmark in the civil aviation relations between India and Spain, and has the potential to spur greater trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
President's Secretariat
President of India to Visit Karnataka from September 26 to 28
The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, will visit Karnataka from September 26 to 28, 2022. This will be her first visit to any state as the President of India.
On September 26, 2022, the President will inaugurate the Mysuru Dasara Festival at Chamundi Hills, Mysuru. On the same day, she will attend the felicitation function ‘Poura Sanmana’ organized by the Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation at Hubali. She will also inaugurate the new campus of the Indian Institute of Information Technology Dharwad at Dharwad.
On September 27, 2022, the President will inaugurate the Integrated Cryogenic Engines Manufacturing Facility of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in Bengaluru. On that occasion, she will also lay the foundation stone for the Zonal Institute of Virology  virtually. On the same day, the President will grace the inaugural function of the St. Joseph’s University; and will also attend a civic reception hosted by Government of Karnataka in her honour in Bengaluru.
On September 28, 2022, the President will return to New Delhi.
Ministry of Education
Course on Quantum Computing jointly taught by Indian Statistical Institute and IBM
Kolkata, 28th May, 2021
Indian Statistical Institute , Kolkata has been carrying out theoretical research in Quantum computing for over a decade. A course on Quantum Information Theory and Quantum Computation was being taught in its M.Tech. in Computer Science programme. Quantum computing has the potential to solve certain hard problems of interest much faster than the existing models. For the first time, ISI and IBM will start a course on Quantum Computing jointly. . It will be taught jointly for the first time by the faculty members of ISI and the researchers at IBM, a technology giant in quantum computing. The faculty of ISI will provide the theoretical base, and the team from IBM Research India will share their expertise on hands-on-lab sessions on IBM quantum systems. The course is scheduled to be held in the academic session from August 2021, where IBM will provide their technical support free of cost as well as the access to its quantum computers for the faculty and students of ISI. This course will provide the students with the opportunity to program these emerging devices on priority access basis as a part of their course work. This collaboration will certainly pave the way for deeper engagement by the future researchers from India with IBM in this key technology.
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Ministry of Science & Technology
Geo-research scholars discuss Geo science for Society at NGRSM
Geo-research scholars came together in a webinar to discuss Geosciences for Society focusing on areas like natural resources, water management, earthquake, monsoon, climate change, natural disaster, river systems and so on at the 4th National Geo-research Scholars Meet  organised by the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology , Dehradun an autonomous institute under the Department of Science & Technology , Government of India.
Prof. Ashutosh Sharma, Secretary DST, Chief Guest and Patron of the event in his inaugural address spoke about various aspects of geo-research like mapping of springs, geosciences for civil engineers, the study of climate change with respect to crop and water, convergence of various technologies in the field, use of solar energy in agriculture and sustainable development.
The two-day webinar held last week included 20 invited talks from distinguished speakers from all around the nation.
Prof. Ashok Sahani, Chairman of Governing Body of WIHG, motivated young scholars to carry out research for the benefit of society. Dr. KalachandSain, Director WIHG, and senior scientists from the institute also gave presentations on current trends and societal relevance of geoscience research.
The NGRSM started in 2016 as a regular event of WIHG to encourage young researchers and students to improve their research interests, providing them a platform to share their research work, receive feedback from the peers and refine their ideas. The event also provides them an opportunity for interaction with the eminent geoscientists and for understanding the latest trends in Geo-science research.
This year, due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the 4th NGRSM was organized through webinar, a first one of this kind from WIHG. A total of 657 scholars participated in this event from around 82 different universities, institutes, and other organizations of India.
Prime Minister's Office
Prime Minister's meeting with Shigeru Kitamura, Japan Secretary General of NSS
Mr. Shigeru Kitamura, Secretary General of National Security Secretariat  of Japan called on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today.
The Prime Minister welcomed Mr. Kitamura on his first visit to India after assuming charge in September, 2019 and stressed the importance of the growing strategic partnership between the two countries for peace, progress and security in the region. He expressed the confidence that the discussions of Mr. Kitamura with the National Security Advisor of India would pave the way to strengthen this vital aspect of bilateral cooperation.
The Prime Minister recalled his warm friendship with Prime Minister Abe and conveyed that he looked forward to welcoming him in India for India-Japan Annual Summit next month.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Notification for Electronic Monitoring and Enforcement of Road Safety
Ministry of Road transport and Highways has issued notification G.S.R. 575.11th August, 2021- Rule 167A regarding Electronic Monitoring and Enforcement of Road Safety. The rules specify the detailed provisions for placement of electronic enforcement devices , weigh in machine  and any such technology).
State Governments shall ensure that electronic enforcement devices are placed at high-risk and high-density corridors on National Highways and State Highways, and at critical junctions at least in major cities with more than one million population and also including the 132 cities as specified in the table given in the rules. The electronic enforcement device shall be placed in such a manner so as not to cause any obstruction, line-of-sight issues or interruption in traffic flow.
Footage from an electronic enforcement device having electronic stamp for location, date and time, can be used to issue challan for the following offences:-
 not driving within the prescribed speed limit ;
 stopping or parking vehicle at an unauthorised location ;
 not undertaking Safety measures for drivers and pillion riders ;
 not wearing protective headgear or helmet ;
 jumping a red light, violating a stop sign, using handheld communications devices while driving, passing or overtaking other vehicles in a manner contrary to law, driving against the authorised flow of traffic, driving in any manner that falls far below what would be expected of a competent and careful driver and where it would be obvious to a competent and careful driver that driving in that manner would be dangerous ;
 driving vehicle exceeding permissible weight  of section 194);
 driving without safety belt ;
 contravention of rule 6  of the Motor Vehicles  Regulations, 2017 ;
 Goods carriage carrying passengers ;
contravention of rule 36  of the Motor Vehicles  Regulations, 2017 ;
 driving vehicle with load that extends beyond the sides of body or to the front or to the rear or in height beyond the permissible limit  of section 194);
 failure to provide free passage to emergency vehicle .
All challans issued under rule 167 in electronic form using auto-generation of challan through the electronic monitoring and enforcement system shall be accompanied by the following information;
 clear photographic evidence highlighting the offence and the license plate of the vehicle;
 measurement from the electronic enforcement device;
 date, time and place of the offence;
 notice specifying the provision of Act that has been violated;
 certificate as per sub-section  of section 65B of the Indian Evidence Act 1872, which,-
 identifies the electronic record and describes the manner in which it was produced;
 gives such particulars of any device involved in the production of that electronic record as may be appropriate for the purpose of showing that the electronic record was produced by a computer;
© is signed by the officer authorised in this behalf by the State Government.
Click here to see Gazette notification on Electronic Monitoring and enforcement of Road Safety
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
Van Mahotsav celebration at Howrah’s AJC Bose Botanic Garden
Kolkata, 15th July, 2023
The Botanical Survey of India  has celebrated "Van Mahotsav" at Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden, Howrah, on July 14, 2023. Dr. A. A. Mao, Director, Botanical Survey of India, has graced the occasion as Chief Guest and addressed the gathering regarding the importance of ex-situ conservation of plants. Kumari Jetti Tejaswi, a 6-year-old girl from Kendriya Vidyalaya, Fort William, Kolkata, graced the occasion as Guest of Honour and represented "Prakriti" from the Mission LiFE Programme.
On the special occasion of Van Mahotsav, the officers, officials, and research scholars of the Botanical Survey of India, along with the participants from various institutions, planted 512 saplings belonging to 75 species of endemic and threatened plants, including 75 saplings of Red Sanders  avenue, to commemorate the 75th Year of Independence Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. The plantation drive was organised in Division No. 17 . On this occasion, a booklet on the AJC Bose Indian Botanic Garden has been released by the dignitaries.
The winners of Sit & Draw and Photography competitions, organized on world environment day 2023 were also awarded on this occasion. Jute bags were given to all the participants to encourage their participation and also to spread awareness regarding use of jute bags over the plastic one to signify the themes of Mission LiFE.
All the regional heads of Kolkata and Howrah offices of Botanical Survey of India were present in the programme. All the dignitaries emphasised the urgent need of conservation of biodiversity through mass plantation to beat the harmful effect of pollution in every sphere of life to save the Mother Earth.
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Ministry of Civil Aviation
Prime Minister lays foundation stone of Noida International Greenfield Airport at Jewar, Uttar Pradesh
Project will bring about all round development of the industrial infrastructure in the region, increase employment opportunities and encourage manufacturing and export
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today laid the foundation stone of Noida International Greenfield Airport at Jewar, Uttar Pradesh.
Noida International Airport is planned in 1334 hectares area at Jewar in the Yamuna Expressway International Development Authority  notified area of district Gautam Budhha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh. The airport will be strategically located at about 72 km from Indira Gandhi International Airport, about 52 kilometers from Noida, about 130 kilometers from Agra and about 90 kilometers from Multi-Modal Logistics Hub at Dadri.
The project will be implemented by Noida International Airport Limited , which is a joint-venture company. UP Government will hold a share of 37.5 per cent in the company. Other stake-holders are Noida - 37.5 per cent, Greater Noida – 12.5 per cent and YEIDA – 12.5 per cent.
The project will be completed in 4 phases. As per Concession Agreement, first phase for 12 million passengers per annum is to be completed and made operational within 1095 days from the appointed date by 29.9.2024.
The airport is strategically located with the excellent approach roads in all directions. There is a 100 meter wide Yamuna Expressway connecting Greater Noida to Agra. The 100 meter wide Western Peripheral Expressway passes through Yamuna Expressway at Formula-1 Track connecting Palwal, Manesar, Ghaziabad, Baghpat and Meerut.
For the Jewar airport all clearances and NOCs have been obtained. Land acquisition has been completed. The Concession Agreement for the project was signed on 7th October, 2020 and financial closure has been achieved on 10th August, 2021. Master Plan for the development of the airport has been approved and rehabilitation and re-settlement has been completed.
By the implementation of this project, there will be all round development of the industrial infrastructure in the region, employment opportunities will increase and manufacturing and export will be encouraged. The Airport will also facilitate air traffic along with rapid growth in tourism.
YEIDA under the Government of Uttar Pradesh is the Nodal department for the development of the project.
PIB Headquarters
TELECOM ADALAT
The next sitting of the Telecom Adalat of BSNL Thiruvananthapuram Business Area is scheduled to be held during this month - 2017.
Customer complaints/grievances for which reply was not received or the reply received was unsatisfactory after exhausting all stages of redressals can only be represented to the Adalat. The exact date and time of Adalat will be intimated later.
Complaints with full particulars and relevant documentary evidences may be sent to Assistant General Manager , O/o PGMT, Uppalam Road, Thiruvananthapuram 695001 on or before 22/07/2017. The cover must he superscribed "Complaint for Telecom Adalat".
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Ministry of Tribal Affairs
Union Minister Shri Arjun Munda inaugurates 'Manthan' tribal welfare symposium at Palghar
All institutions and states connected with tribal welfare should come together to prepare a plan: Tribal Affairs Minister
: Mumbai, 14 July 2022
Union Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda inaugurated a two-day symposium ‘Manthan’ on upliftment of triabal communities at Palghar in Maharashtra today. The Minister of State for Tribal Affairs Bishweshwar Tudu was also present on the occasion.
On this occasion, Shri Munda appealed that all institutions and states connected with tribal welfare should come together to prepare a plan for their welfare. He also said that a report should be made on the implementation and performance under Scheduled Tribes Component  till date. He informed that STC was formed after a prolonged deliberation. Hence its performance in different states needs to be evaluated, he added.
The Union Minister said that the representatives of states' education ministries doing a commendable job in regional languages under National Education Policy should be roped in to form a five member committee to explore the scope of work to be done by Tribal Affairs Ministry.
The Tribal Affair Ministers and Chief Secretaries of different States and UTs, Directors of the states where tribal museums are being set up are attending the symposium.
About Manthan Symposium
The Symposium is focussing on the various programmes to be undertaken on Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav by Eklavya Model Residential Schools, Fees Control Authority, Grants Department and Tribal Museums which organize 'Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas' on birth anniversary of freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda. It also includes discussions on Scheduled Tribe Component  and health and education of tribal population.
Apart from Maharashtra, representatives of Tribal Welfare Departments from Jammu, Kashmir, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Manipur, Tripura, Gujarat, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Assam, Mizoram, Meghlaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Nagaland, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu are taking part in the symposium.SC/RA/PM
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Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
220.66 cr Total Vaccine doses  have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
659 doses administered in last 24 hours
India's Active caseload currently stands at 32,814
Active cases stand at 0.07%
Recovery Rate currently at 98.74%
3,726 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to 4,41,92,837
5,357 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours
Daily positivity rate 
Weekly Positivity Rate 
92.27 cr Total Tests conducted so far; 1,57,894 tests conducted in the last 24 hours
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas
Government driving the initiative of setting up Liquified Natural Gas stations across the Golden Quadrilateral National Highways, East-West Highway, North-South Highway and in major Mining clusters
Minister of State in the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Shri RameswarTeli today informed the Rajya Sabha in a written reply thatGovernment has been driving the initiative of setting upLiquified Natural Gas  stations across the Golden Quadrilateral National Highways, East-West Highway, North-South Highway and in major Mining clusters in India. This initiative involving establishment of 50 LNG stations in the 1st phase, would help in establishment of LNG as a Transport fuel for increasing the share of natural gas in the total energy basket of the country besides providing environmental benefits to the society.
Ministry of Defence
DEPUTY CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF VISIT TO NATIONAL FLIGHT
TEST CENTRE, AERONAUTICAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY
AND HINDUSTAN AERONAUTICS LIMITED, BANGALORE
Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Deputy Chief of the Air Staff  visited National Flight Test Centre, Aeronautical Development Agency and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited  Tejas Division to assess the progress of the indigenous combat aircraft projects. A keen Experimental Test Pilot himself, he has been driving the Atmanirbhar Bharat efforts of the Indian Air Force towards self-reliance in the development and manufacture of combat aircraft. During his visit, the Air Marshal flew the Series Production Trainer-01 of the Light Combat Aircraft  Tejas, which is undergoing final developmental test sorties, to get a firsthand feel of its capabilities. The IAF is presently operating the LCA Mk 1 aircraft and has a pending order of 83 LCA Mk 1A aircraft.
During the visit to the Tejas Division, the HAL team briefed the DCAS on the production status of trainer aircraft and the plan for deliveries of the LCA Mk 1A. The DCAS will also visit the Light Combat Helicopter  Prachand Production Line to assess the production status of the homegrown combat helicopter. The delivery of 10 LCH Limited Series Production aircraft for the IAF is nearing completion and the production of the Series Production aircraft is likely to commence shortly to meet the order of 145 Series Production LCH for the IAF and Indian Army.